OMM Newsroom
Nearly 600,000 people took part in demonstrations across France on Thursday, according to a provisional estimate by the Interior Ministry, marking the largest turnout since the protest movement began, Anadolu Agency reported, citing BFMTV.
The Interior Ministry’s estimate was higher than previous reported turnouts: 550,000 demonstrators on Oct. 17, 410,000 on Oct. 24 and 320,000 on Oct. 31.
The CGT trade union confederation put the nationwide number of protesters at nearly 1.6 million. It also estimated that 350,000 people joined the Paris march between Place de la Republique and Place de la Nation.
The Education Ministry said nearly 16% of teachers were on strike amid nationwide protests over wages, purchasing power and public services.
CGT Secretary-General Sophie Binet described the strike as “extremely effective” and called on the government to respond to workers’ demands. Speaking at the Paris demonstration, she said, “Nothing will stop us,” and called for wage increases for all workers and a 10% rise in the minimum wage.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that a “social conference” with trade unions and employers’ organizations would be held at Matignon on Monday, Nov. 9, according to a government statement.
The nationwide strike also disrupted schools and universities. The Higher Education Ministry reported disruptions at 60 of 184 institutions, while the SNES-FSU union said 52% of middle and high school staff were on strike.
Police intervened against student blockades in several cities, including Paris and Bordeaux, local media reported. The Interior Ministry said authorities deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes to manage the mobilization.
The protests come amid a student movement that began in mid-September over education conditions, funding and staffing.
